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Wisconsin protesters demand justice after a man is killed by police
On Thursday, hundreds of protesters gathered in Madison, Wisconsin, to demand that police be held?responsible for the death of a man, which was captured by witnesses on video. Social media went wild with the shooting death of Corey Ruiz. Local community advocates and Wisconsin media outlets identified him as Black. This rekindled some of the anger that arose after the Minnesota police killed George Floyd in 2020 and other deaths which 'have raised questions about racism in police force use in the United States. The police said Ruiz was armed with a blade that injured one of the officers who wrestled Ruiz down. According to the video, during the struggle, the officer pulled out his handgun and shot what sounded like three shots from a close range. Demonstrators gathered late on Wednesday at the scene, and also at the Capitol where a concert outside was cancelled due to the protests. Demonstrators returned on Thursday to the scene, and placed flowers in the streets. The organizers introduced Ruiz's relatives, including his daughter, to the crowd. On Thursday morning, several protesters demanded that the officers should be jailed. They held up signs like "Corrupt cops also deserve to die !!!" A video from Wednesday shows a?man being wrestled by four uniformed officers amid shouts such as "Let him go" and "He has a knife." Patterson stated that an officer had used a Taser at some point to?try and subdue this man. However, for unknown reasons, it was not successful. Ruiz was stopped by police after reports that a man had been looking in parked cars. Patterson believes that a second call at the same time, about an "unlawful entry to a home", may have increased police presence. Patterson stated that the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, is conducting an independent investigation into homicide. (Reporting and editing by Donna Bryson, Christopher Cushing, and Daniel Trotta from Vista in California)
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Japan's June core inflation increases, but remains below BOJ target
Japan's core price inflation rose in June, but it remained below the central bank's target of 2% for a fifth consecutive month. This suggests that firms have not yet aggressively passed on rising input cost to consumers. Analysts expect that consumer inflation will accelerate in the second half of this year, as the recent spike in producer prices, fueled by the rising cost of fuel and imports from the Middle East conflict, and the weakening yen, filters through to the rest the economy. Analysts say that the yen's decline to its lowest level in four decades is likely to increase inflationary pressures and maintain market expectations of future interest rate increases by the Bank of Japan. Sarah Tan, an economist with Moody's Analytics, said that the inflation outlook is heavily dependent on what happens in?the Middle East? and its impact on global commodities prices. The concern is that nominal wage increases may not keep up with inflation. This will impact real wages and consumer spending. "A renewed depreciation would intensify imported inflation." Data showed that the core consumer price index (CPI), excluding volatile food prices, increased 1.6% from a previous year in June, a rise that was in line with market expectations and faster than the 1.4% increase seen in May. This is partly due to the effect of the sharp drop in gasoline prices last year, caused by government subsidies. The data revealed that food inflation declined due to the falling price of rice. Meanwhile, service inflation fell to 1.2% in June from 1.4%, despite gains in wages. The BOJ closely monitors an index that excludes volatile fuel and fresh food, which is a better measure of inflation. It rose by 1.7% from a year ago in June after rising 1.8% in May. Next week, the central bank is expected to examine the data at its policy meeting and announce new?quarterly forecasts. Marcel Thieliant is the Asia-Pacific head at Capital Economics. He said that there are no clear signs that BOJ's fears about inflation risks are becoming a reality. "Producer price inflation accelerated in recent months," the Bank said. The Bank's concern about inflation risks will not have diminished as crude oil prices approach their recent highs - and the yen falls to new lows against the US dollar. The producer price index jumped 7.1% in June, the fastest rate in over three years. The BOJ increased?interest rates in June to a high of 31 years, a milestone in its policy normalisation. It was a sign that it is ready to tighten even more as it concentrates on taming the price pressures caused by the energy shock caused by the U.S. and Israeli war against Iran.
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IAEA: Military activity affects water supply at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant and nearby town
The U.N. nuclear watchdog reported on Thursday that military activity had affected water supplies in parts of the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station and nearby areas of southeast Ukraine. In the first few weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian forces captured the largest nuclear power station in Europe, with six reactors. Since then, both sides have accused each other of actions that compromise nuclear safety. Rafael Grossi said that there is no shortage of water to keep the fuel cool in reactors. The attacks on and around Enerhodar - where many plant staff live - "targeted local electrical infrastructure and led to a loss of water supply in the ZNPP and the city." Grossi added that IAEA monitoring staff stationed in the plant had only limited access to water since 18 July. Grossi has visited the plant a number of times since the Russians took over the operation. He made no mention of either Russia or Ukraine in relation to the military activity. The IAEA?on-site?team has not been able?to?visit an emergency operations center nearby since December due to security concerns. Last week, Rosatom, the state-owned nuclear corporation of Russia said that a Ukrainian drone killed the plant's chief engineering. Grossi reiterated in his latest statement that the nuclear power plant employees "must always be protected."
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Newmont's profit beats expectations on higher gold prices
Newmont beat analysts' estimates for the second quarter profit on Thursday as higher gold prices helped to offset lower production. Gold prices have been rising on the back of a steady demand for safe-haven assets and hopes that U.S. rates will be cut. However, a stronger dollar as well as inflation fears fuelled by oil price volatility during the Iran War has?limited gains. Gold prices that are higher usually boost revenue and margins for miners. Prices for 'the yellow metal' averaged $4,606.41 per ounce during the second quarter 2026. This is up 37% from one year ago. Newmont's average quarterly realized price of gold was $4,414 per ounce. This compares to $3,320 an ounce one year ago. The quarterly gold production was 1.29 million, down from 1.48 million the year before. In extended trading, its shares dropped 1%. According to data compiled and analyzed by LSEG, on an 'adjusted' basis, the company earned a profit of $2.10 for the quarter - ended June 30 compared to the analysts' average estimate of $1.99.
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Chile investigates Antofagasta’s Los Pelambres Mine after rainwater discharge
Antofagasta Minerals, a Chilean copper mining company, said on Thursday that its flagship mine Los 'Pelambres is safe following an investigation by Chile's environmental regulator into a water discharge incident caused by extreme weather. On Wednesday, the regulator said that Antofagasta released water into the Pupio Waterway from a drainage pool after heavy rains caused an?avalanche near the site. Antofagasta has said that the controlled release of water from two pools downstream the tailings?dam?wall was part of its water management system. Water from the tailings dam was channeled to the Pupio stream whose flow had already increased significantly because of rain. The company reported that the tailings pond was "stable and in accordance with its design parameters and safety parameters with no risk to people or surrounding?environment." * The regulator stated that it will continue to evaluate whether any further action is needed. Chile has been hit by heavy rains?from the north-central region to the south causing flooding, road closures, and home damage. * Copper mines are usually prepared for winter with contingency plans. However, the intensity of the storm has forced some to reduce their activities. *?Los Pelambres is the largest copper mine in Antofagasta, located in Chile's Coquimbo region.
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Officials say five Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike and violence in the West Bank.
According to Palestinian officials and the Israeli military, an Israeli airstrike on Thursday killed two Palestinians, including two children, in northern Gaza. Three other Palestinians were also shot dead in the West Bank. Israel's military claimed it had targeted "militants" in Gaza. A senior Israeli military official confirmed that a civilian killed two Palestinians after they had stabbed an Israeli and injured him during a dispute. After a separate stabbing attack in which an Israeli soldier was injured, the Israeli military confirmed that its forces had shot a third Palestinian. Israel has launched nearly daily attacks on Gaza in what it claims are attacks against Hamas militants. This is more than nine month after the U.S.-backed "ceasefire" in the enclave. According to Palestinian and Israeli statistics, more than 1,160 Palestinians as well as four Israeli soldiers were reported dead since the fragile truce began in October. Palestinian medics claim that the majority of those killed are civilians. The Palestinian Authority's official media agency WAFA reported that Israeli soldiers and settlers attacked Palestinians in the West Bank as they attempted to extinguish a nearby fire. Two Palestinians stabbed a soldier, according to an Israeli military official. "Friction" broke between Israeli settlers and Palestinians while trying to put out the fire. Official, who did not want to be named, claimed that an Israeli "civilian", which is an apparent reference of a settler killed the two Palestinians. The West Bank has been a hotbed of tensions due to the escalating violence between Israelis and settler groups, as well as Israeli plans to expand settlements in territory Palestinians consider a "key" part of their future state. Around 700,000 Israelis live with 2.7 millions Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Most foreign governments claim that Israel's settlement activities in the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority has limited autonomy, are illegal under international law. Israel disagrees with this view. Reporting by Ali Sawafta and Steven Scheer; Writing by Pesha Magd; Editing Andrew Heavens
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Blackstone CEO addresses AI concerns raised by the community
Stephen Schwarzman, Blackstone's CEO, said that the company is addressing the social and environmental implications of artificial intelligence, as opposition to the construction of data centers in the United States grows. Blackstone and private capital firms pour tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure and businesses that are aiming to increase computing capacity and run models that consume a lot of power. A June /Ipsos poll found that the deeply divided American electorate was united by their opposition to the construction of data centers. Only 14% said they would "support" a facility being built for technology companies in their locality. Schwarzman, on a recent conference call, said that Blackstone works closely with its portfolio companies, including the data-center business, "to address workforce, environmental, and community implications through the creation union jobs, training for the workforce, water-free cooling systems, increased power generation, as well as significant local economic investments." Schwarzman stated that while AI's impact could be similar to the Industrial Revolution, which ultimately raised living standards, it also causes anxiety because of the uncertainty about how technology will evolve. Blackstone, the private equity firm that bought QTS for $10 billion dollars in 2021, announced earlier this month it had halted a Virginia project after years of planning. The project was halted after years of planning due to a'strong local opposition, litigation and disagreements. The U.S. administration of President Donald Trump sees AI development as a race with China but also works to protect households from the rise in energy prices that will follow. Schwarzman, who has been a Trump donor for many years, said he personally spent "a lot of time" with leaders in the AI industry and policymakers to think about ways to deal with these issues while maintaining America's AI lead. (Reporting and editing by Nia William; Isla Binnie)
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Michigan reports 7,644 cases of cyclosporiasis in ongoing outbreak
Michigan health officials announced?on Thursday, 7,644 cases of cyclosporiasis (an intestinal infection) linked to a recent outbreak. This is an increase of 473 since the last state update, a day earlier. According to the Michigan Department of Health, this outbreak has resulted in 160 hospitalizations. There have been no reported deaths. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora worm and can cause diarrhea, nausea, and other gastrointestinal problems. This parasite can be spread by eating raw fruit and vegetables or drinking water that has been contaminated with feces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cyclosporiasis cases have steadily increased in the U.S. over the past few months. The agency reported earlier this week that 4,173 people in 41 states had contracted the parasite and 308 were hospitalized. On?Wednesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it was investigating an outbreak of cyclosporiasis. 72 cases were linked to a source which has not yet been identified. The FDA's outbreak tracker lists six active Cyclospora outbreaks, including four ongoing investigations and two that are no longer under investigation but still remain under investigation. A spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said that the "Trump administration mounted a robust reaction to this outbreak by working closely with health departments?in all 50 states and leading public health response, promptly identifying the known sources and giving Americans the information they needed?to protect themselves." HHS stated that as the FDA investigation continues, it is possible to identify additional brands, restaurants or retailers. The CDC is currently investigating over 7,400 additional infections reported that have not yet been laboratory confirmed. Many of these are in Michigan and Ohio. The agency had linked the outbreak with shredded iceberg salad served at Taco Bell in certain states. Mexico Health Minister David Kershenobich said on Tuesday that there is no evidence to date that lettuce from Mexico has caused the outbreak. U.S. officials are still investigating a lettuce outbreak that has been linked to five states. (Reporting and editing by Tasimzahid, Shilpa Majumdar and Siddhi Mahtole from Bengaluru)
PPC Greece posts a 41% increase in adjusted annual core profit
Public Power Corporation, Greece's largest electric power utility, reported on Wednesday an increase of 41% in adjusted core profit for the full year, driven by increased contributions from domestic operations and consolidation of operations throughout Romania.
In 2024, the group's adjusted earnings (EBITDA), which includes interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, reached 1.8 billion euro ($1.94 billion), up from 1.3 billion euro a year before.
PPC stated that it would invest 3 billion euros by 2024. 85% of this money will be allocated to renewable energy sources and flexible generation.
The group has reduced lignite production to 15% in order to achieve its goal of becoming lignite free by 2026.
It said it would propose a dividend per share of 0.40 euro for 2024. This is a 60% rise from 2023.
PPC has reaffirmed their 2025 goals, which include an adjusted EBITDA target of 2 billion euro, a net profit adjusted post minorities of over 0.4 billion euro, and a dividend per share of 0.60 Euros, representing a 140% rise from 2023.
(source: Reuters)